Vengeri Brinjal

Brinjal or Eggplant have been grown for long period of time and different district/states have different varieties. It is the longest heirloom variety of brinjal with an average length of 44 cm indigenous to Kerala. It’s deep violet in colour. Brinjal (Solanum melongena), also known as eggplant or aubergine, is an easily cultivated plant belonging to the family Solanaceae.1 Its fruit is high in nutrition and commonly consumed as a vegetable. The fruit and other parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine.

Days to Germinate: 14-21 days Days to Harvest: 80-90 days How to Grow: Brinjal seeds raised in seed beds and saplings are planted. Thrive well in temperature range between 25-35 degree celsius. Grows well in wide soil types. They need fertile, well-drained soil. Seeds will take about 2-3 weeks to germinate. Seedlings should be spaced about 45-60 cm i.e. 1.5 to 2 ft apart. Take optimum care while transplanting as it might disturb the plant growth. The plant will fruit after 3-4 months.

Eggplants grow about 40-90 cms as compact, self-supporting shrubs; but the heavier varieties might need support.

Sowing Season: It is grown in May – June and December – January Germination Rate: 75% Seed Preservation: You too can be a seedkeeper and help HOOGA in the fight to preserve native seeds. Wait until the eggplant is overripe and inedible before you start collecting eggplant seeds. The eggplant should look dull and off colored. Overripe purple eggplants turn tan or brown while white and green eggplants take on a yellowish hue. An overripe eggplant is typically hard and shriveled. Slice open the eggplant and separate the flesh from the seeds. Put the seeds in a bowl of water and wash the pulp away. Strain the seeds, pat them dry, and spread them out on a tray to dry not more than two seeds thick. You can also make use of wood ash, cow dung or hay to aid in the process. Call us to know more!